These citizen suits are being used to perpetuate what is often referred to as a sue-and-settle process.

States have been so entirely shut out of the process that their opposition is rarely given serious consideration.

Mr. President, I want to speak to the highway bill today, legislation before us that hopefully by tomorrow we will report out of the Senate favorably and send it to the House of Representatives. My understanding is that the House will…

I thank Senator Leahy for his interest in these matters, and I am pleased we were able to work out an agreement to strike these provisions and move forward with consideration of the DRIVE Act. I look forward to working with you and Senator…

Transportation for America wrote that the committee- reported legislation would be an important step forward in creating a transportation program that will boost the Nation's economy and ensure future prosperity. It also stated that the…

I urge the Senate to ensure Metro-North and other railroads improve safety by voting in support of the bill before the Senate. Working with Senator Cantwell, who has been a strong advocate for crude-by-rail safety, we have also included in…

For the reasons you stated, I agree that if enacted into law, nothing in Section 32003 exempts or is intended to exempt information under the Freedom of Information Act. I would, however, just offer two comments to explain to my colleague…

APTA wrote: ``These funds are of critical importance as commuter railroads address the $3.5 billion in costs associated with installing PTC systems.'' The National Association of Railroad Passengers wrote: ``Just as important as the level…

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, one of the freight railroads that collectively have spent over $5 billion in private funds on implementation, recently sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board that stated the possibility that…

One reason I believe the Internet has worked so well because, for the most part, the Government hasn't stepped in to ruin it.

Mr. President, I want to compliment the Senator from Oklahoma for his great work on this legislation. He has been a fierce advocate for transportation funding, for doing highway bills on more than a short-term basis. As he has mentioned…

I would like to understand the process that was used in determining which programs were more at risk than others.

Have you had any discussion about tribal lands where we have got an estimated 2,000 Native Americans--veterans, warriors--who are homeless today?

The details of this particular decision were discussed with VISN 23 leadership prior to the decision being made.

I appreciate the VA's mission to end homelessness among veterans.

I am curious, because what we looked at was about a $3.2 billion shortfall in terms of the agency.

Not necessarily something that Congress can make a decision on today.

What is your biggest challenge that Congress could immediately address that would be a relief to our rural community hospitals?